Originating from Turkey in 1960, this vintage transitional Gordes rug features a medallion-style field design with an exceptionally uncommon combination of Turkish symbols. Hand knotted in high-qWhile many Gordes designs vary between prayer rugs and lesser-produced bridal rugs, this piece employs individualistic elements of both in its design, including the human figurine mirrored in both ends of the medallion design (often symbolizing the weaver or a woman), perhaps kneeling in prayer. While there are many common hooking symbols of fertility surrounding the portrait, what is distinctly rare in this piece is the field’s corner spandrels, almost perfectly resembling the Turkish symbol for scorpions knowns to represent individuality and ward off danger. This symbol may complement the other subtle insect allusions, including the tarantula symbols known to ward off the evil eye seen mirrored in the medallion, though the wrapping naturalist borders and the autumnal golden-beige and brown colourways (as well as the medallion’s subtle references to Mahrab “gateway to paradise” symbols) indicate a heavenly, spiritual approach to this piece rather than cautionary.